Lloyd took the light brown wig off his head and set it down on the table, revealing the same jet-black hair that was on Gina's head. He still didn't look at her.

commentary the wig is me covering my tracks. You recall, I wanted Lloyd and Gina to be opposites in the beginning, and then they turned out to be brother and sister. So I had to explain a little why they looked so different. end commentary​

"There's nothing wrong with your car, is there," he said.

Gina sat on the table. "I disconnected the battery," she said. Her voice went soft again. "I used to look up to you, Lloyd."

He nodded vaguely. "I was the big brother," he whispered.

commentary This little speech was much easier to pen than Kermit's was. I wasn't basing it off of anything. That, and, like, when I'm acting for example, it's very easy for me to tap into anger. And this speech here is a lot of anger from a very not angry person. So it was pretty fun to write. end commentary​

"Yeah," Gina said, angrily getting off the table and pacing back and forth. "Some big brother, too. Setting quite the example for me. You know what example you set, brother? You disappeared when I was thirteen. Oh, what an example! Do you know how many years Mom cried for you? Do you? Of course not, you weren't there. And Dad, Dad didn't say a word for weeks after you left. And Heather- you remember Heather, don't you?

commentary That's another reference, by the way. Heather Henson, Jim Henson's youngest daughter. I got three out of five kids in this story, I'm pretty proud of that. I'll put Cheryl in my next one. I'm a little hesitant to have his oldest daughter, though. She happens to be named Lisa, and the pictures of her in The Works look an awful lot like some pictures of me. It's kind of freaky, but kind of awesome at the same time. Thing is though, I'm afraid that if I put in a girl named Lisa with brown hair and blue eyes, even I wouldn't know if it was me or Lisa Henson. end commentary​

You know, your other sister? She was only eight, Lloyd. And she asked me a thousand times every day, 'When is Lloyd coming back?' What was I supposed to tell her, Lloyd? Did you ever think of that, ever? Did you? And now here we are, ten years later. Heather hardly even remembers 'big brother Lloyd'. It's a stretch to get Dad to say more than three words. Mom- I saw Mom smile for the first time in ten years today. You know why? I got married today, Lloyd. And some friends of mine tell me that some mad man predator is following them around and torturing them, so I go to help them, and you know who I find out the mad man predator is?"

She stopped and glared at him. "My own brother."

He said nothing. Did nothing. He just sat, looking at the wig. Gina sighed, came over and knelt beside him. She took his hand and looked up into her brother's eyes.

"What happened to Lloyd Brinks?" she whispered.

commentary Ooh! Lloyd Brinks? Who the heck is that? We've always known him as Lloyd Galt. It adds sort of a freakish element that he's really this whole other person we never get to see. end commentary​

He looked at her, struggling to hide his tears.

"Lloyd," Gina said, "Mom and Dad raised you to be better than this. We both know that. ...And you hurt us, Lloyd." She gently squeezed his hand, then released it and stood up. "The door to forgiveness is always open," she said. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a wedding to get to."

commentary Those are some powerful lines there. I love that as much as she wants to hate Lloyd, she can't, because he's her brother. So instead, she's ready to forgive him if he will just apologize and mend his ways. That's awful strong of Gina. end commentary​

She turned and saw Rowlf standing in the doorway.

commentary See, there was no way the muppets were going to just sit back and let Gina re-enter the lion's lair. They sent back up. end commentary​

She put an arm around his shoulder, and they walked out together, leaving Lloyd Brinks alone with his thoughts.

commentary I told you I was going to come back to this line. Did you remember it? "Leaving Lloyd Galt alone with his thoughts" and "Leaving Lloyd Brinks alone with his thoughts." That's how we know something changed. He went through something big. He's not a bad guy anymore. It'll take some time, but he's going to go back to being Lloyd Brinks. end commentary​

The taxi was waiting outside. Gina followed Rowlf a few steps into the bus, a smile on her face. "Destination: Party!" she announced. Then she got back off the bus and climbed into the back seat of the taxi.

The taxi driver turned to face his passenger.

"Well, well, well," he said. "Look who's late to her own wedding."

Gina made a face. "I am not late, Richard. And if you make me late, I will not name a single one of my children after you."

commentary It's Richard Hunt! Woo hoo! He had a cameo as a taxi driver in The Great Muppet Caper, so I figured he could do it again. end commentary​

commentary Oh hey look, I get to torment Beau! Awesome! Okay, so if you check out SWAEHB, you'll see that Beau has created some absolutely incredible mental pictures of Steve Whitemire. One in particular that he hid from us for quite some time was labeled as number 21.4. He really didn't want to share it, he was embarassed. So, as a bit of a thank you and a bit of a "let's embarass Beau", here is picture number 21.3- a heck of a lot less embarassing than the infamous 21.4. end commentary​

The plush red carpet in the hallway squished under well-polished black dress shoes. The man wearing the shoes was pacing anxiously between a set of double doors, stopping to look at a clock, pacing, stopping to check out the door, and pacing again. He wore a black, single-breasted, three-piece suit. A single red rose peeked out from his breast pocket. His black glossy tie laid over his white button down shirt and under his jacket. In his hand, he held a bouquet of red and white roses with slight touches of baby's breath. He wore a single gold band around the third finger of his left hand. His long blonde hair was tied neatly in a pony tail that ran a short way down his back. He paced back and forth, back and forth. Step, step, step, step, step, step, turn. Step, step, step, step, step... What was taking so long? He glanced at the clock. The reception was set to start in just forty-five minutes. Step, step, step, step, turn. Step, step, step...

commentary Alright, there you have it. Mental picture 21.3. Oh, and in case you hadn't figured it out from all my commentary before, this is Steve Whitemire. SWAEHB! SWAEHB! end commentary​

He heard a rustling of silk, footsteps... He looked up...

"Gina!"

She flung her arms around him, and bride and groom embraced each other in silence for a moment.

"See, Steve, I told you I'd be back," Gina said with a smile.

He smiled back, and then suddenly looked panicked again. "Gina, the band we hired called. They can't come!"

commentary This is the part where I was going to have Gina say, "See, I told you we shouldn't have paid them ahead of time." ButI decided they shouldn't get bamboozled on their wedding day. I was cruel enough just making her leave the ceremony right after it ended. end commentary​

She made a face. "And they waited until now to tell us?"

He nodded. "What are we going to do? Have a wedding without music?"

Suddenly Gina had an idea. "No," she said, and she turned to face the Electric Mayhem. She smiled, and they grinned back. "Nothing of the sort."

commentary Yay! The Electric Mayhem finally got a gig! It's their first gig in this whole story, you know. I'm so proud of them! end commentary​

In the next forty-five minutes, the muppets changed into nice clothes, Miss Piggy covered most of her cuts and bruises with make up, the Electric Mayhem set up their instruments, and Gina and Steve took turns panicking until the guests began to arrive.

Once the party began, every one was more than willing to kick up their heels and relax. The Electric Mayhem managed to play a few slow songs before cutting loose, and the muppets all spent most of their time on the dance floor. Even Miss Piggy, who was feeling much stronger by then.

commentary Notice Miss Piggy's miraculously speedy recovery. Also notice that after weeks on the road not being able to play at all, The Electric Mayhem managed to let Gina and Steve had those first traditional couple of slow songs. Very considerate of them. Of course, they didn't play a single other slow song the rest of the night, but no one really seemed to mind. end commentary​

The time came for Gina to throw the bouquet. All the women crowded around, and she tossed it over her shoulder. Kermit couldn't help but laugh when he saw that Camilla had caught it. Gonzo looked like he wasn't quite sure how to react, but the chicken was thrilled.

commentary I knew I wanted one of our muppet ladies to catch the bouquet, but I couldn't quite figure out who. Miss Piggy is too expected, and that just wouldn't work. I considered Janice, but I don't think Floyd's reaction would quite be as funny. That left Camilla. And that was just hilarious. end commentary​

Then Kermit saw Miss Piggy's face, and he decided it was a good time to slip away. He wiggled his way into a group that was crowded around Fozzie.

commentary I was going to have him call the theater here, but then I had absolutely no cliff hanger at all, so I moved it to the end. It's not much of a cliff hanger, but it's better than nothing. end commentary​

"So the polar bear, he walks out," the bear was saying. "And the panda bear's just sitting there, and he thinks, 'this is odd'. And then whaddaya know, the phone rings. You know who it is, it's the polar bear. And he says, 'I didn't know it was a koala bear'! Ahh, Wocka wocka!"

commentary I needed a good long complicated joke, and I just wasn't thinking of any on my own. So, Muppets Take Manhattan to the rescue! I actually got it a little off, but it's close enough. end commentary​

One of the guests leaned over and whispered to Kermit, "Was that the punchline?"

commentary No, Mr. Random Guest, your line was the punch line. end commentary​

It was late that night when the guests began to slowly file out the doors. The muppets were exhausted. Gina and Steve walked with them out to the bus.

"You'll keep in touch, won't you?" Gina asked as she hugged them goodbye.

"Sure," Kermit said.

Gina gave Dr. Teeth directions to a near by, comfortable hotel. Then she poked her head in the bus and called out, "Destination: Sleep!" The muppets laughed as she and Steve walked away hand in hand.

Kermit awoke the next morning on the edge of the bed they had all piled on to.

commentary I loved the idea of having them all on one bed. Can't you just imagine them doing that? Sort of reminds me of The Great Muppet Caper. "So the first thing we have to do, is make our plan" "Right!" "...or, we could get some sleep..." I love that part. I love that bed, actually. And the lightbulb. I gotta get me one of those lightbulbs. Actually I gotta get back to this story. end commentary​

Every one else was still fast asleep. He decided not to wake them. There was no hurry today. No grey men chasing them, no rush to get any where. Besides, they needed the sleep. It had been a long day yesterday. But then, it had been a long couple of months. Almost three months now. Where had the time gone?

He turned on his side to see Miss Piggy watching him sleepily. Just a good night's sleep had helped her injuries so much, it was amazing.

"Good morning, Kermie," she said.

"Good morning, Piggy."

There was a tiny moment's silence.

"Well?" she asked.

"Well what?"

"Well, aren't you going to kiss me good morning?"

He smiled, remembering their morning game. "Well, Piggy, I would..."

commentary I was surprised no one commented on this. It was one of my favorite parts. In the first chapter, we had them playing this cute little game, and here it is the end of the second to last chapter, and they're playing the little game. I thought it was very cute and heartwarming and it brought the story full circle. But either nobody noticed, nobody liked it, or nobody bothered to comment. I'm guessing it's a combination of the first one and the last one. I don't think nobody liked it. Wait, did that make sense? Oh well. end commentary​

After a few hours, everyone was awake and hungry. They had a late breakfast and piled onto the bus. Dr. Teeth went to start the engine up, but he stopped.

commentary Muppets Take Manhattan reference! "Maybe we could sell the show if we wrote in more special effects, like exploding socks." You've just gotta love Gonzo's idea of art. end commentary​

Camilla bawked.

"DRUMSTICKS! DRUMSTICKS!" Animal shouted.

Zoot blew a note on his saxophone.

"Moi am not forgetting anything," Miss Piggy said.

"Well, then, what are we missing?" Kermit asked.

Robin was hopping to the front of the bus. "Uncle Kermit, I know what we're forgetting!"

"What are we forgetting, Robin?" Kermit asked.

Robin stood proudly at the front of the bus, took a deep breath, and then shouted with all of his might, "DESTINATION: HOME!"

commentary Cue music! Oh wait, you don't know the story behind the title yet, do you? Well, don't worry, you'll find out in the "making of". So don't worry, you'll know what I'm talking about... eventually... end commentary​

They all laughed as Dr. Teeth pulled the bus onto the road. They drove a few hours before stopping for lunch. The first thing Kermit did was find a pay phone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

The Muppet Theater was buzzing with activity. Scooter went over that week's list for the hundreth time. "Check, check, check..."

BLAM!

He turned and saw Crazy Harry on the other side of the stage, laughing. He returned to the list. "Check, check, check, check..."

commentary I wanted to do something with this similar to my "who the heck is Bill" at the beginning, but all I was coming up with was the joke Rowlf did at Muppetfest. "As soon as you write some checks, we can get those things." And I didn't really want to use that, so I just threw in some other random humor. end commentary​

"That is a lot of checks, hokay."

Scooter looked up. "Oh. Hi, Pepe."

"Hey, speaking of checks, Scooter. Do you have my pay check yet?"

Scooter sighed. "No. Not yet."

"Hey, Scooter!" Clifford called from the lights. "What else do you want me to do?"

I'm sorry I didn't comment on Kermit and Piggy's little game before, but I really did notice it! In fact, it really made me smile at that point and it was like saying "they're really going to be ok and back to normal" Sorry I didn't mention it before! I can't wait to see your making of/behind the scenes! Keep up the good work!

Hmmm... Then Whitmire-Brinks? No, cause that'd imply you're marrying Gina with Steve, and I'm not sure if he's already married in real life.
Hmmm... Then... Whitemyre-Brinks? That's close enough to Steve's real last name without it being him himself.
Just trying to get a handle for something I'm planning.

Yay, their little game worked! Thank you so much, Beth. That really makes me feel all giggley and happful inside!
I can't believe it's only one chapter of commentary left. But I can't wait to get on to some other extras. The "making of" needs a little work. I'm thinking of a preview of my next fanfic, but I'm not sure what to show yet. So I think the gag reel might come next. Oh, it's hilarious, too. I thought it up last night instead of sleeping. (sleep? what's sleep? I have no idea what this "sleep" thing is you speak of...)

Hmm, I'm not sure what to see first, I guess Making Of has the most votes thus far. I just want to see extras.
Red (popping in from dorms thread): Beth, you should stop pestering her and get back to your commentary and your extras so you can post your next fan fic.
Yes, Red, I know, get back over to the dorms, you don't belong here.
Sorry Lisa, sometimes she jumps on my back and follows me around as a joke. Anyway, I'm taking up space here. Post whatever extra you are ready to post first and I know we'll all love it.

commentary I think this is another one of those scenes that I rewrote a couple times. It's getting to be kind of a while ago now, I don't quite remember. end commentary​

"Alright, so what's this great news, Scooter?" Kermit said as he got off the bus.

"You're gonna love it, boss! We got a television network to air the show!"

"Really?" Kermit said. "Well, that's great!"

"What is?" Gonzo asked.

"We got a network!" Kermit said.

"Really?" Fozzie said.

"Oh! That means we can start the show soon!" Miss Piggy said.

"Like, wow!" Janice said

"Alright!" Floyd said.

"A network of what?" Gonzo asked.

commentary Another joke modelled on "Broadway of what city?" I love that line. end commentary​

"Gonzo!" they all said.

"I was just asking..."

"There's just one thing," Scooter said.

"What's that?" Kermit asked.

"Well, they want to start the show on Tuesday."

"TUESDAY!?!" Kermit shouted. "But that's just in a few days!"

"Well, it's either then or never," Scooter said.

commentary There's always a catch. end commentary​

And so the next few days were spent throwing together the first episode. Somehow, they managed to sell out the entire theater, get a guest star, and a few acts for the show. Before they knew it, Scooter was announcing fifteen seconds to curtain. It was all downhill from there.

commentary I would love to actually see what this show lookes like. It was so much fun to describe, though. I think my favorite part is... never mind, I love all of this little show. Not sure how all the "everything goes wrong" could be shown in a movie format, but I'm sure someone would find a way. end commentary​

Statler and Waldorf had an absolute field day. The opening number was scheduled to be "Oh How Lovely" done in a round, like they had once done with John Denver. But once the second group started to sing, the first group got muddled, and it got even worse when the third group joined in. Once Kermit herded them off the stage, it was time for Gonzo's act: walking half way across a tightrope, then jumping into a wheelbarrow, all while reciting the Gettysburg Address. He did fine until the jump, when he landed on Rowlf's piano in the band pit. Then Fozzie came on, but he completely forgot his monologue, so he stood on stage and tried to get the audience to guess what he was going to say. The Electric Mayhem went on to play "We Didn't Start the Fire," but as soon as they got to the chorus, Crazy Harry joined them on stage and, well, started the fire. Vet's Hospital didn't have a patient, and Link had been late for Pigs in Space. And worst of all, the guest star never even showed up.

It was great to be back.

commentary A lot of what I think people love about the muppets is that they try so hard and nothing ever goes quite right. And they still enjoy it, and they just keep coming back to it, because they love it. So yes, it really was great to be back. I love that line, too. end commentary​

And now, somehow, they had been home for a week, and it was Thanksgiving Day. So the entire cast of the show was having dinner at the theater. A long table crossed the full length of the stage, and extended into the wings on both sides. Everyone was bustling around, some setting the table, others destroying it.

commentary I think that's my favorite sentence of the entire story. end commentary​

With all the noise coming from the cafeteria where the Swedish Chef was cooking, Kermit wasn't quite sure he would want to eat any of the turkey. Or anything else. But eventually, they all found themselves sitting around the table with piles upon piles of food in front of them.

commentary Now this, I know I reworked several times. I was going to have Kermit just walking through the theater, singing "Together Again", and then maybe have him realize that EVERYBODY was singing something different because they were all just so happy to be back. But it just wasn't coming across right. And then I wanted all sorts of chaos going on with trying to set the table. I was going to have the table be so long that they had to cross under it, and then have Robin going under trying to set the table, and then suddenly they hear a crash because the hole in the stage came back. But it wasn't quite flowing. end commentary​

From his seat at the head of the table, Kermit looked around at the crazy family they had all become. Then he stood and proposed a toast.

"What are we drinking to, boss?" Scooter asked.

Kermit smiled. "Guess."

They all had ideas.

commentary Oh, I loved writing this part! It was kind of hard to get the order right, but it was so much fun! I really wanted to get as many people in as I could. I wanted to do Marvin Suggs and Lew Zealand and just everybody I could think of. But I couldn't quite figure out what every one would say. But I still think I should have had an "ow" at the end of the table... end commentary​

Sam started. "To this fine country of the United States of America, founded in 1774 by some of the most upstanding men in history..."

Floyd lifted his glass and cut off the history lesson. "To music!"

"Fer surely!" Janice said.

"I think we should drink to the ladies, hokay," Pepe said.

"DRUMS! DRUMS!" Animal shouted.

"Why bother? Let's just eat," Rizzo said.

commentary That's so Rizzo. I love that line. I'll be saying that a lot in this chapter, so bear with me... end commentary​

"To gettin' gigs again," Dr. Teeth said.

"Nu, ve-a shuoold dreenk tu cuukeeng!" the Swedish Chef said.

commentary Thank you once again to The Dialectizer. That thing is a life saver, I'm telling you. end commentary​

Zoot blasted a few notes from his saxaphone.

commentary I loved writing for Zoot. He's so easy. Just give him a saxaphone and he's happy. Other than that, just have him nod, or mumble something like "yeah" or "uh huh". so simple it's beautiful. end commentary​

"To the future of Science!" Dr. Bunsen Honeydew said.

Beaker meeped loudly.

"Wouldn't it be easier to drink until our glasses are empty?" Beauregard asked.

commentary I had to have Beauregard say something like that. I mean, it kind of makes sense, if you think about it. But I just love simple thinking. It makes for such great jokes. end commentary​

"To friends!" Sweetums said.

Crazy Harry blew something up.

"Let's drink to good insurance!" Gonzo said.

"I say we drink to the show being cancelled!" Statler said.

"I'll drink to that!" Waldorf agreed.

commentary There's our hecklers again. If this was a movie, we would have to find a way to put them in the middle somewhere. But they just got to be bookends this time around. Oh well. end commentary​

"How about we drink to the show not getting cancelled," Clifford said.

"Or, just to getting the show in the first place!" Scooter said.

"Hey, how about, to not doing Galt's movie," Fozzie said.

"Yes! And to never seeing a man dressed in grey for the rest of our lives!" Miss Piggy said.

commentary Our little fashion expert. She probably hated grey long before this story began. Oh, I don't think I ever mentioned her miraculously speedy recovery in this chapter. She's almost completely healed now. And what little cuts and bruises she does have left are easily covered with make-up. end commentary​

"To sleeping in our own beds," Rowlf said.

"To being home," Robin said.

Kermit was shaking his head.

"Well were we close?" a penguin asked.

commentary Yay for penguins! I had to throw in a random penguin. I mean how do you not have penguins? I love penguins. But anyway. end commentary​

Kermit didn't say anything, just lifted his glass. The others followed suit. He smiled.

"To Us."​

commentary And at this point, in movie form, I originally thought I would have it freeze on him holding his glass up. But then I thought, wouldn't it be fun to have the credits roll over a scene of them eating Thanksgiving dinner? So imagine it however you like, because I can't quite decide. end commentary​

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

commentary Now this funny little blurb was hard to write. This is actually the original version, but I kept thinking I could do better. But after I read this one a few dozen times, I decided I really liked it. So this is what you get. end commentary​

Here's to following your dreams, connecting your rainbows, finding your way home, and most importantly, to keeping a family of friends close to you, no matter where your life may lead you.​

well thank you, or if I was lisa I'd thank you, but since I'm not I won't , I suppose It'd help if I actually read the fan fic but you see I'm not nearly as obsessed with the muppets or puppets (hey that rhymed!) as some of you are, I'm in a cult that (well it's not REALLY a cult ) but anyways it follows the little mermaid, readhead, Ariel, and t's very strange, although I am partial to sebastian, I believe that any being , mermaid or not, so self centered and ignorant that she can't accept the life that she's living has no Idea that her conditions could be worse, then she gets her wish granted and winds up with a prince ! hello! do you kow the unlikely odds of that! well must go for now, Count I know you're extremely important , at least I think you are since you're a senior memeber, but hey, what do I know...
Ethine
____________________________________________________

well thank you, or if I was lisa I'd thank you, but since I'm not I won't , I suppose It'd help if I actually read the fan fic but you see I'm not nearly as obsessed with the muppets or puppets (hey that rhymed!) as some of you are, I'm in a cult that (well it's not REALLY a cult ) but anyways it follows the little mermaid, readhead, Ariel, and t's very strange, although I am partial to sebastian, I believe that any being , mermaid or not, so self centered and ignorant that she can't accept the life that she's living has no Idea that her conditions could be worse, then she gets her wish granted and winds up with a prince ! hello! do you kow the unlikely odds of that! well must go for now, Count I know you're extremely important , at least I think you are since you're a senior memeber, but hey, what do I know...
Ethine
____________________________________________________

hidey ho! Kermit the frog here

Click to expand...

That was my cousin posting, by the way. See, insanity runs in the family....

Anyway, it looks like I'll be posting the making of next. But be patient. Keep in mind that I have out of town family in town, and that automatically means a whole bunch of family activity that keeps me away from the computer. You may still vote if you haven't already, you never know, it could change. Oh, and I forgot to mention that "deleted scenes" are also available. So, the complete balot:

I think the order should be Making Of, Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel and then preview even though I'm dying to see what your next story is. But anyway, that's my vote, but just do what you can when you have time!

I'm dying to see your next story, too, Beth. I'm also dying to see Beau's next story, and prawncracker's next story. Gosh, all of a sudden we're all writing "next stories". Creepy. But anyways..... yes, next stories... um, looking forward to it... what was the point of this post again? Oh yes, to say that I'm looking forward to everyone's next story. Well, why didn't I just say so?

You did. And I still have some work to do besides the one story in progress. But as for a follow-up...
Well, that'll have to deffer to the lovely counting creatures I'm creating. Got a file with a Monster Roster of creatures and beings from myth and monster-dom I'm pulling one by one according to my desires and basing a new numbered notable on said being. For example, got a bat humanoid, the Queen of Hearts, the apparition, and so on and so on. All to fill up the coffures of the castle facade in my mind's eyes.

If I get it off to my friend who's an expert drawer then maybe I'd be able to share some sketches in the future. But suffice it to say I'm working on stuff fright now.
And hope you have a pleasant time with your family TogetherAgain... Though it seems like you're gonna need a lot of time and patience what with the crazies running around.

My thoughts: Making Of, with Gags tossed in like pips in a melon, or tomatoes in a tossed salad. i.e. A section of Making of, that breaks away to a gag, then back to the regularly schedueled programing.

Also, a preview might be nice, dearie. Oooh, in Trailer form like mine perhaps.

At the beginning of this thread, I refered to Destination: Home as something that had been "rolling around in my head for... oh, I'd say about a year now." So, what happened a year ago that put this story in motion? Here's the story of the start of the story.

I was at a friend's sweet sixteen party in May of 2004. I somehow managed to convince my friend that an appropriate way to celebrate would be to watch The Muppet Movie. I believe that part of my persuasive support was that I had never seen it before. But the point is, we watched The Muppet Movie. I think the scene that really affected me the most was the desert scene. I will explain why in a moment.

You see, this party magically turned itself into a sleepover party. Keep in mind that unless I am in my own bed, I tend to have an awful lot of trouble sleeping. So that night, I found myself lying on an unfamiliar floor, with an unfamiliar pillow, in an unfamiliar sleeping bag, with my contacts still in, surrounded by sleeping girls that were mostly strangers. It was the middle of the night, and I was exhausted, but there was no way I was going to be able to sleep. When I can't sleep at night, my creative mind peaks.

This particular night, The Muppet Movie was staying in my head. So, as I tend to do, I began to change things around to work myself into it. It's a very self-centered habit of mine. Somehow I ended up creating a whole new story, but all I had was the muppets in a desert with no hope and a script that said nothing but "cue music". Clearly, that meant I needed a song.

So a song began to creep into my head, slowly forming itself. I knew I wouldn't be able to remember it on my own, but I didn't have any pencil or paper. Thanks to random technology, however, I was able to type and save the lyrics in my cell phone.

I didn't tell anyone about the song.

I left for a month-long camping trip with my youth group in the beautiful state of Washington, where I met twenty-nine wonderful individuals. Towards the end of the trip was a week-long kayaking trip. It was evening, and I found myself standing on Turn Island, just a foot or two from the Pacific Ocean. We were gathering to watch the sunset. But first, I was taking in the gorgeous horizon in solitude, reflecting on the trip. There had been mountains and rivers, precarious bridges to cross, starry nights to gaze up at... and a vague memory trickled in my mind. A song. The song I had written just over a month before hand. I didn't have my cell phone on hand, but I thought hard and remembered most of the lyrics. What I didn't remember, I re-wrote. Somehow, the song I had meant for an imaginary movie fit the trip just right. I shared the song with my fellow campers, and they loved it. They encouraged me to share it with the world. They wondered how I had kept this song a secret from them when we had all been so insanely open with each other. As excited as I was to get home, I don't think I will ever forget how sad I was to think that the trip was over.

For the next year, that crazy movie I had been thinking of kept changing. I dreamed up all sorts of crazy things that could never have really worked with the muppets. With other characters, perhaps, but not with the muppets. And eventually, it came to be the story we now know as Destination: Home. It had a scene in a desert, with a script that said nothing but "cue music." I needed a song.

By this time, I had written several other songs. I was reluctant to use that first song- it was still the trip in my mind. That song belonged to the trip. It had even been given it's name, "Silver Dreams," on that trip. But nothing else would ever fit quite like that song. I remembered how it had been written in the first place, and I knew. I had to use it.

But I still had a problem with it. The song had lyrics, and it had a melody. But it had no instrumental accompanyment. It was missing that certain something. That careful fading into a song that is pulled off so well in the movies. It needed something, and I couldn't find that something locked up in my room in front of my computer. So I went to the swingset in my backyard. After a lot of swinging, I stopped pumping and let the swing slow to a stop. Of course it didn't stop completely. I found myself sitting in the dark night on my swing, and the only sound was excess chain clinking against itself with every stroke of the swing.

clink-clink.........clink-clink.........clink-clink.........

And I thought, why not use that? What could I get in the desert to make that sound, though... maybe if Robin was dropping a rock, and it bounced... do rocks bounce? Well, who cares...

Somewhere in the distance is a mountain I must climb.
Between that peak and I a raging river will I find.
The obstacles are just as endless as my journey seems.
Beyond that Golden Sunset rest my Silver Dreams.

There's something in the air tonight that brought me to this place.
As quickly as I came I could be gone without a trace.
The thing that keeps me walking on life's crooked balance beam,
Beyond that Golden Sunset rest my Silver Dreams.

I don't know how to reach them,
Won't you come and help me reach them,
Together we can reach them, wait and see...

There may be times you doubt the person you have come to be,
With raging waters roaring for as far as you can see,
So if those times do come may you remember this one thing,
Beyond that Golden Sunset rest you Silver...Dreams...